A whirlwind of teeth and scales, these fish frenzies hypnotize even the most seasoned scuba divers. It also means divers can access a unique underwater environment in the bay’s sheltered conditions. A swift ascent from the shallows delivers stunning encounters on a shore dive, from massive fried egg jellyfish huffy nighthawk to hulking mola-molas. Below you, California sea stars slouch in silence. The current drives opalescent and the Rainbow nudibranch to wiggle hello at the sea nettles drifting past. You can dance with playful sea lions and marvel at massive kelp—there’s a reason these are called the Sequoias of the Sea.
Drift dives generally offer the best opportunities to encounter these big animals, as the currents bring in nutrients that pull them in from the blue. Photographers will delight in the candyland that’s Rainbow Reef, which bustles between islands in the huffy cruiser Malé Atoll. Although the currents at famous sites like the Santa Rosa Wall dictate your dive, it’s like floating along in an underwater lazy river, not a riptide. You get to kick back, breathe deep from your regulator, and watch ocean life hustle by.
Sipadan’s a riot, a swirling, fish-drunk mess that’ll leave you reeling. Walls of coral tumble from this small inland into the impossibly blue, teeming with so many turtles they cause traffic jams. Schools of jackfish swirl like underwater tornadoes, thousands strong, parting to reveal patrolling sharks. Then there’s the muck, the weird stuff—frogfish, seahorses, and other minute creatures. It’s Barracuda Point, though, that’s the main event.
Dip below the waves and you’re instantly transported. Tarpon streak past, eels slither from their dens, stingrays glide like phantoms. Turtles—hawksbill and green—cruise serenely, while playful dolphins weave through the blue. Keep your eyes peeled, you might spot a frogfish camouflaged amongst the coral, a seahorse clinging to a swaying fan, or even a pygmy goby, smaller than your fingernail.
Front and rear alloy linear pull brakes provide consistent . Lightweight rims improve performance and are weather-resistant. Premium Huffy-branded Krayton grips provide a comfortable hold. Rent and save from the world’s largest eBookstore. Read, highlight, and take notes, across web, tablet, and phone. Try out unlimited access with 7 days of Outside+ for free.